Saint Anselm College has announced that it will begin a transition to the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) in Division III, aligning the College with one of the nation’s most academically prestigious and philosophically aligned conferences.
The move reflects a deliberate and mission-centered decision, one that positions Saint Anselm to elevate the student-athlete experience while aligning with institutions that share its commitment to academic rigor, competitive excellence, and holistic student development.
“We are confident this decision is in the best interest of the Saint Anselm student experience and the long-term future of the College,” said Saint Anselm President Joseph A. Favazza, Ph.D. “The NCAA landscape is changing rapidly, driven by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial opportunities, an active transfer portal that leads to team instability, and growing uncertainty among conferences. After careful consideration, we have chosen a proactive path – one that aligns with our mission and allows Saint Anselm to maintain control of its athletic future.”
Saint Anselm will complete its final year in the Northeast 10 Conference during the 2026–27 academic year before officially beginning the transition on July 1, 2027. The College is expected to achieve full Division III membership by 2029–30, pending NCAA Division III Membership Committee approval.
The NEWMAC’s support for Saint Anselm’s membership reflects a shared institutional philosophy. As outlined in the College’s membership application materials, Saint Anselm views athletics as a natural extension of its Catholic, Benedictine mission by developing ethical leaders grounded in community, faith, and intellectual growth, while fostering academic and competitive excellence. This mirrors the NEWMAC’s commitment to the Division III model, where academic achievement, personal development, and meaningful competition are fully integrated.
“This move reflects the heart of Saint Anselm’s Catholic, Benedictine mission,” said Athletic Director Phil Rowe. “Athletics is an extension of our educational experience, and the NEWMAC offers a conference home that mirrors our priorities both in the classroom and in competition. We are deeply grateful to the Northeast 10 Conference for the longstanding partnership, rivalries, and championships that have shaped our history, and we look forward to building on that foundation as we step into this next chapter.”
The transition to Division III represents a strategic reinvestment in the holistic student-athlete experience. By shifting resources from athletic scholarships toward enhanced academic support, wellness initiatives, and leadership development opportunities, Saint Anselm is strengthening an environment where student-athletes are empowered to excel in the classroom, in competition, and in their personal growth. This model reinforces a balanced approach by ensuring athletics remains a meaningful and integrated component of a comprehensive, mission-driven educational experience.
Saint Anselm sponsors 23 varsity programs and is home to more than 650 student-athletes. The Hawks have demonstrated consistent competitive success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances, a national championship in field hockey (2024), and a national semifinal appearance in men’s lacrosse (2024). That success is expected to translate seamlessly into the NEWMAC, where it will further elevate an already highly competitive league.
Beyond competitive alignment, the move places Saint Anselm among a cohort of nationally respected institutions known for academic distinction and institutional stability. At a time when the broader NCAA landscape is defined by uncertainty, the NEWMAC offers a clear and enduring model rooted in educational values and long-term sustainability.
“What stood out most about Saint Anselm College throughout this process was how naturally their institutional values aligned with the NEWMAC’s. In a challenging higher education landscape, a strategic priority and focal point of our conference’s vision included being proactive around growth to ensure stability and sustainability for the future of our membership and programs,” said Patrick B. Summers, executive director of the NEWMAC. “Their commitment to the student-athlete experience, academic excellence, and their commitment to transitioning to Division III was evident in every conversation and communication throughout the process. The Hawks aren’t just joining a conference; they’re joining a community that shares core and founding principles.”
As part of its continued commitment to excellence, Saint Anselm is also investing in the future of its athletics facilities, including the development of the Van Hoof Athletic Complex, which will support soccer and track & field beginning in 2027.
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